Its Black Women’s Insecurities!
By: Tommy “Tj” Sotomayor

AFTER BLACK TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM ERUPTED IN DEBATE OVER THE GIRL’S HAIR, H&M HAS RESPONDED.

In case you were languishing for controversy, with all the fashion weeks passing with no known cultural appropriation scandal, no Blackface hitting stores, or campaigns with blatant racial undertones, today you’ll get your fill. H&M has been called on the carpet for an ad that has sparked a frenzy on social media.

This morning, celebrity hairstylist Vernon François posted a photo on Instagram from a recent H&M ad that includes a little Black girl with her natural hair pulled into an undone ponytail. Her hair and edges are uncombed, appearing that no one at the campaign shoot touched the girl’s 4C hair. To be clear, this girl has beautiful coils that should be celebrated, styled or unstyled, and when the photo posted we were unsure (as François admits) what the context was surrounding the shoot and how her hair came to be in this photo.

In his post about the ad he says “This post is just an assessment based on all my years of seeing situations like this happen time and time again. And it’s got to stop. This beautiful young girl’s #kinky hair appears to have had very little to no attention yet all of her counterparts have clearly sat in front of someone who was more than capable of styling other hair textures. My heart breaks imagining yet another girl from my community sitting in front of a mirror being ignored by the team around her, left to her own devices because someone didn’t know how to handle her texture.”

Looking around the H&M Kids site further we found several other photos of the same little girl in this same style. She also appears on their site in several other photos with her hair blown out in a natural Afro. It’s unclear whether or not she had a parent or guardian on set who made mention of her hair to their team at either shoot. ESSENCE reached out to H&M for comment, and the retail giant responded with the following statement:

“We are aware of the comments regarding one of our models for H&M Kids. We truly believe that all kids should be allowed to be kids. The school aged kids who model for us come to the photo studio in the afternoon after school and we aim for a natural look which reflects that.“

For those who work in the fashion and beauty industries it’s widely known that for a long time Black models and other Black talent have had to fend for themselves when it came to hairstyling, due to a lack of professionals on set capable of styling textured hair. It came down to a larger and troubling perception of Black hair that manifests itself in the ill treatment of Black hair. People like François have become so pivotal in the industry because they represent a hard stance in preventing these things from happening, allowing Black talent to feel just as confident and attended to as their non-Black counterparts on set.

In early 2018 H&M was called out for a controversial ad that involved a little Black boy in a sweatshirt that read “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” H&M removed the image from all their channels, discontinued the sale of the shirt, and issued an apology saying that they would thoroughly investigate to prevent it from happening again. The brand has since also hired Ezinne Kwubiri, Head of Inclusion & Diversity. With more than a decade of experience in change management, she has been working hard to cultivate these conversations internally and incorporate diversity and inclusion as a tenet in the company’s pillars.

Black people are not a monolith and do not have homogenous experiences or points of view, so the conversation about this is multi-faceted. While some agree with François and are troubled by what the photos represent on a macro scale (as well as the affect that the photos might have on this little girl), some think that the photos simply represent her hair in its natural state and need not be scandalized.

This is all further proof that even though we’ve made some strides in the conversation around Black hair, we’ve got a long way to go in understanding all the nuances. This is why events like Curlfest, which is all about celebrating our crowns, are necessary. This is why communities like House Of Hair In Real Life have to keep championing for our manes. This is why enacting the CROWN Act in every state is ever-so important.

At the end of the day, there’s a beautiful Black girl at the center of this conversation who needs to know that she is remarkable, her hair is exquisite, and however represented it should be celebrated. It’s why we will continue to uplift and honor Black hair in all its majesty, and with the help of professionals like François, show anyone who’s doubtful, all the glorious things our Black hair can do.

UPDATE 12:18 am, 9/21: At around 6pm on Friday evening, H&M’s Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Ezinne Kwubiri, posted a response addressing the conversation on her personal Instagram page with #LetsTalk.

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9 Beauty Buys That Support Breast Cancer Awareness

THIS IS BEAUTY THAT GIVES BACK.

BY JENNIFER FORD · SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and by shopping select beauty products, you can support cancer research programs in their mission to prevent and find a cure for the disease that impacts the lives of so many loved ones. 

According to the American Cancer Society, African American women have the highest incidences of Breast Cancer, and this year, 33, 840 Black women are expected to develop the illness. While survival rates have increased over time, mortality rates are 40 percent higher for women of color than in White women, and a few beauty brands are committed to changing this narrative. 

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when you shop the products below, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer research. If you’re looking for ways to donate to the cause, then start with the charitable beauty picks below.8 Daily Habits to Prevent CancerNothing is sure to prevent cancer—the disease is linked to genetics, environmental factors, age, and plain luck. Still, there’s strong evidence these habits can lower your risk.

Play Video01Rodin Olio Lusso Lip BalmCooler weather can cause chapped lips. Keep your pout moisturized with this limited edition edit of the brand’s luxe lip balm infused with essential oils, shea butter, and beeswax.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRANDavailable at Rodin $36 SHOP NOW02Bobbi Brown Proud To Be Pink Link Color DuoThese creamy full coverage lipsticks are universally flattering, and a beautiful way to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BCRFavailable at Bobbi Brown $45 SHOP NOW03Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion- Limited EditionIt’s no wonder why this glow-tion is a cult favorite. It creates a difference you can see and feel. The daily moisturizer leaves your skin smooth, and noticeably radiant.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BCRFavailable at Clinique $39 SHOP NOW04Beauty BlenderThroughout October, this cult-favorite cosmetic sponge will be available in this sparkly canister that’s perfect for your vanity.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BCRAavailable at Ulta Beauty $20 SHOP NOW05Becca Hydra-Mist Set and Refresh PowderIf you love setting powder but hate the residue, this special water-infused formula will have you head over hills. It’ settles on the skin like a mist, and provides a smooth seamless finish.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BCRFavailable at Becca Cosmetics $39 SHOP NOW06The Better Skin Co Supper Shield Anti-Pollution SerumProtect your skin from environmental pollutants with this herbal skin shield.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE BETTER SKIN CO.available at The Better Skin Col $38 SHOP NOW07ESTÉE LAUDER Limited Edition Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex IIThis nighttime repair serum works hard to restore moisture, and radiance while you sleep.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BCRFavailable at ESTÉE LAUDER $100 SHOP NOW08Spongelle Bulgarian Rose DuetCleanse, exfoliate, massage, and nourish your skin while giving back. Throughout the first week of October, buy any pink sponge and get one half off. Five percent of proceeds will go toward Breast Cancer Research.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SPONGELLEavailable at Spongelle $28 SHOP NOW09La Mer The Treatment LotionThis lotion formulated with Miracle Broth, a sea kelp powered potion that improves water retention, is perfect for any skin type in need of a moisture-rush.

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